



2026 Events
Dutch Oven Cooking Class
Outdoors over an Open Fire
April 25th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
This class will teach you how to prepare a full meal in a Dutch Oven. The meal will be 9-10 courses, including appetizers, entrée and desserts. Attendees must be age 18 or older and physically able to be around a hot fire. There is a registration form to complete. Cost is $45 per person which includes the gate fee to all Plains, Trains and Cowboys events.
Plains, Trains and Cowboys
April 24th from Noon to 11:00 pm
April 25th from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
The Heritage Center, Old Abilene Town and Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad have teamed up hold this event as a 250th U.S.A. celebration on the grounds of the Heritage Center and Old Abilene Town. Celebration of Western Heritage through singers, cowboy laureates, wild west show and educational experiences and a whole lot more. The Lazy Wayne Band will play Friday evening and Rusty Rierson on Saturday night at Old Abilene Town. Dust off your boots and make sure to bring your family and friends to Abilene on April 24th and 25th. Watch our Facebook page for more information on this event.
Pioneer Camp
Week 1: June 1st - 5th
Week 2: June 8th - 12th
Pioneer Camp was developed in 1989 with the concept of acquanting today's children with the life style of children in the past in a fun and educational manner. Campers must be ages 8 to 11 (3rd to 5th grade). Enrollment form along with payment of camp fee must be submitted by April 26th. Fee for non-members is $100 for each camper. If you are currently a member of Dickinson County Historical Society, your campers fee is $100 for each camper and $75 for each camper after that. Slots fill up quickly, so enroll as soon as you can.
Memories of the Prairie
Experience first-hand stories, educational programs and re-enactors bring history to life at the Historical Society and Museum on Saturdays during the summer. Come learn about the history of Dickinson County and Kansas from those that have lived it.
June 13th at 7:00 pm Lost Towns of Kansas (Chapman Center for Rural Studies)
June 20th at 6:00 pm Auntie M's Attic (period clothing)
June 27th at 7:00 pm Women's Suffrage (Marla Matkin)
July 11th at 7:00 pm The Minersville Story
Ice Cream Social & Baked Goods Auction
July 18th at 7:00 pm
This annual event is a time to enjoy homemade ice cream and good fellowship with a chance to take home a pie, cake, cookies or other baked goods up for auction. Auction revenue benefits the Historical Society.
Fall Tombstone Talks
October (TBD)
Lace up your tennis shoes and grab your jackets for this year's fall Tombstone Talks. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the Heritage Center during business hours.
Old Fashioned Christmas
December 4th from 6 pm to 8 pm
December 5th from 4 pm to 8 pm
Come enjoy an old fashioned Christmas in our lighted village with a live nativity in the barn, rides on a 1901 wooden carousel, a prairie Christmas in the authentic log cabin, live Christmas music, a craft for kids in the one-room schoolhouse, German foods in the historic Burkland Grocery Store and much, much more.
All events are at the Heritage Center unless noted. If you have questions about our events, call us today!!